How to Organise an Epic Bible Reading

Last week we linked to an article by Simon Camilleri on Epic Bible Reading at your Church.

In a follow-up post, he shares some practical tips on getting your church involved:

“In a nutshell, I recommend that before you break up a book of the Bible for a sermon series or a Bible Study you should gather together and read through the entire book—out loud from start to finish in one session.

In this article I am going to give some tips from my own experience, for the eager and the apprehensive, on how you can run an Epic Bible Reading at your church. …”

– Read it here.

If lost people matter to God…

“…if lost people matter to God, then they should matter to us as well. After all, we were lost in our sin, till we put our trust in Christ. So as someone once said, evangelism is just one beggar telling another beggar where to find food.

But are we as keen to share the good news of Christ Jesus, as we are to share our best back remedy?”

– In the latest Cathedral Newsletter, Dean of Sydney Sandy Grant shares some encouragement after reflecting on a recent Church Record post.

Things would never be the same again

“In his Pensées Blaise Pascal, the 17th century French mathematician and philosopher wrote, ‘Everyone seeks happiness. This is without exception. Whatever different means they employ, they all tend to this end. The cause of some going to war and of others avoiding it, is the same desire in both, attended with different views. They will never take the least step but to this object…’

John the Gospel writer tells us of a woman at a well in Samaria two thousand years ago who would have agreed. …”

– At The Anglican Connection, John Mason turns to John chapter 4 and the longing for happiness.

Epic Bible Reading at Your Church

“I am very glad that many evangelical churches in Australia preach through the Bible, book by book, chapter by chapter and verse by verse. Over weeks or even months, a theologically-educated preacher helps their congregation to dig deep into Scripture—grappling with each section of the book in depth before moving on to the next section.

But imagine if we watched movies this way. …”

– At The Gospel Coalition Australia, Simon Camilleri has some encouragement for you.

A related question: Why do some evangelical Anglican churches only have one Bible reading in a Sunday gathering?

Anglican Aid’s Prayer Diary 2023

Anglican Aid’s Prayer Diary for 2023 is now available to download from their website.

What are we unable to stop speaking about?

“Every time I read Acts 4:20 I am struck by how the message about Jesus should work. As the book of Acts begins, what Peter makes clear in each of his first Christian sermons is that Jesus is both Lord and Messiah.

For example, Acts chapter 2 and the coming of the Holy Spirit is much more about God declaring Jesus as Lord and Messiah then it is about the coming of the Holy Spirit on God’s people (though it is about that too!).

It’s the fact that Jesus is both Lord and Messiah that means the Holy Spirit now comes (Acts 2:32-36).

Or, take the healing event of chapter 3 with the lame man. It is by the name and power of Jesus, who is both Lord and Messiah, that this man is now healed. …”

– At The Australian Church Record, Mike Leite has encouragement to speak the best news of all.

Discipling

“Making disciples is the central direction of the great commission of Matthew 28.

I have lived long enough to see this endeavour go through some name changes. …

Many Christians of my vintage can testify to the value of the Navigator’s 2:7 course and to the Navigator’s emphasis on Scripture memorisation. …

I am not sure what it is being called today but I notice a growing emphasis for those in ministry to make ourselves more accountable by having a mentor.”

– At The Expository Preaching Trust, David Cook writes to encourage ministers to take advantage of several opportunities for discipling / mentoring / help in preaching.

Be encouraged again by Ben John’s appeal to the Church of England General Synod

Amidst the gloom of bishops (and others) who turn away from the clear teaching of God’s Word, take the time to hear the appeal from General Synod member Ben John during Wednesday’s debate.

Do not be ashamed of the gospel – it is God’s power for the salvation for all who trust in Christ. (Romans 1:16, but re-read the full chapter for context.)

See it from 4 hours, 38 minutes and 50 seconds into the Wednesday afternoon video. (We also highlighted that day’s speeches by Vaughan Roberts and Ian Paul on this page.)

What if Colin Buchanan was Archbishop?

“Christian kids musician and entertainer Colin Buchanan joins Dominic Steele on The Pastor’s Heart, to answer questions submitted over the last few weeks plus a few questions that Colin wrote himself.

Plus Colin premiers a new song ‘If you have ever made a mess, say yes!’”

– Hilarious, encouraging and thoughtful – this week on The Pastor’s Heart.

Don’t miss the duet.

Men Meeting the Challenge Conference 2023

This year’s Men Meeting the Challenge Conference will be held at Arndell Anglican College, Oakville, on Saturday 25th March.

All the details are available at the conference website.

Archie Poulos’ 2023 reading recommendations for pastors

From The Pastor’s Heart:

“Archie Poulos has given us a list of books that he’s read in the last 12 months that have stimulated him to think about different ministry areas.

Archie’s recommendations include …”

– Watch or listen here.

For your convenience, The Wandering Bookseller has compiled a page of Archie’s favourites.

Don’t take CMS Summer School for granted!

“I reflect on the 2023 CMS Summer School as someone who could only make it for one day.

I wish I could have attended more, but I was overseas. Yet, having landed in Sydney on the Monday of Summer School, I drove up to the Blue Mountains on Tuesday to attend for the day. It was definitely an experience; a combination of jet lag and the increased heart rate from walking up and down that hill – twice – after ten days of overeating over the holidays! And yet it was also an experience of being profoundly joyful and energised amongst fellow Christians.

As I drove back home late on Tuesday night, I remember thinking multiple times that we just can’t take CMS Summer School for granted. …”

– Ben George writes with encouragement at The Australian Church Record.

Glen Scrivener on the ‘Secular Sermon to Archbishop Justin Welby‘

Glen Scrivener at Speak Life responds to ‘a secular sermon’ open letter directed to the Archbishop of Canterbury by high profile UK TV presenter Sandi Toksvig.

Can we love people and disagree? Very helpful in thinking about how to respond to those with whom we disagree.

Watch here.

Preaching Trust Clubs in 2023

From The Expository Preaching Trust:

“The Trust is sponsoring clubs in Abbotsford, Armidale, Sutherland and Wahroonga. These Clubs meet 4 times each year and in one of the meetings feature a special guest.

Our special guest for 2023 is Phillip Jensen. Phillip will preach at each club and will speak on, ‘The future: obstacles and opportunities’.

There is no cost to register, but if you would like to attend the club for Phillip’s visit here are the details…”

– See the details here.

Commissionings and encouragement in Bathurst Diocese

Many will be encouraged by recent news from Bathurst.

The Bishop’s Newsletter – Summer Edition 2023 is available for download (PDF file).

Bishop Mark Calder writes, “This is the second of a semi-regular newsletter from me as a way of trying to increase communication around the diocese.”

Highlights include:

COMMISSIONING SERVICES

Grenfell – Tim Smith 11am Sat Jan 21
Oberon – Jonny Lush 1.30pm Sun Jan 22
Cowra – Ben Connelly 1.30pm Sat Jan 28
West Wyalong – Steven Klouth 11am Sat Feb 11
Cobar – James Daymond 11am Sat Feb 18

Ordination—04 Mar, at the Cathedral, 10am – James Boardman to be made deacon.

There’s also a parish profile for the Parish of Kelso which is vacant (and in a strategic location).

There’s plenty to pray about for Bathurst (and other country dioceses). In particular, pray for Bishop Mark Calder and his wife Susan with oversight and responsibilities for such a large area of NSW. Pray for those beginning ministries from Oberon to Cobar, and for the churches in which they minister. Pray that the men and women of these country areas might thirst to hear the gospel and to know Christ.

Photos – Commissioning services held over the weekend for Tim (and Jess) Smith at Grenfell and Jonny (and Liz) Lush at Oberon. Via the diocesan Facebook page.

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